Yuni Kim
Assistant News Editor
A freshly renovated Scott Library will be unveiled after the fall co-curricular week, showcasing a group-friendly environment that includes an interactive Learning Commons space and more quiet study areas.
The second floor of Scott Library, currently in its first of two phases, had undergone construction this spring. The completed renovations will be unveiled Oct 20.
“We’re bringing together a variety of support services from across campus,” said York University’s associate librarian Mark Robertson. “We’re incorporating a writing skills support system, as well as learning skill tutors and some involvement from the career centre.”
A majority of the old computers will be upgraded before being reinstated to the collaboratory, the hub and the salon areas on the library’s second floor.
“We’ve relocated a lot of [the computers] to elsewhere on the second floor and the balconies upstairs,” Robertson explained. “Granted, they’re not at an ideal location right now, but they’re temporary.”
The fact that more students are bringing their own laptops to campus is being addressed as well.
“The use of laptops have gone up enormously over time,” said Robertson. “We’re offering more outlets for lots of plugs.”
The library is supporting this renovation with reserved funds saved over the past eight years, combined with independent donations. Robertson said he hopes that the new space will allow for better student interaction and information services.
Yet some students are critical of the renovations. Monique Spence, a third-year communications and women’s studies major, wondered whether the renovations were necessary.
“At the end of the day, we don’t go to the library to get comfortable in groups,” she said. “We go there to find our books, do research and have a quiet place to focus.”
She also questions the time frame of the renovations.
“I understand that summer school was going on, but there aren’t as much students [on campus] as the fall and winter terms,” she said. “I’m questioning as to why they haven’t done this in the summer.”
Robertson, on the other hand, is confident that the renovations will be a success.
“Bringing support for students into one place will be more convenient,” said Robertson. “We will be able to offer those services in a more holistic way.”
With files from Semeerah Abdulqadir
York library needs more quiet space, not a social gathering area in the middle. Also, most of the group study rooms don’t have ceilings. Really, it defies reason.
Hi Jim,
Absolutely quiet study areas are crucial. When we did our research (focus groups etc.) with York students, what we heard was that students wanted a variety of kinds of spaces: quiet areas but also some collaborative environments. Students clearly expressed a desire for differentiated spaces for different kinds of learning activities. In addition to the Collaboratory and group study rooms (the new ones on the 2nd floor are sound proofed and have ceilings), we’ve developed the quiet Salon. Plans for phase 2 of the Learning Commons include a quiet study room. In addition, we have recently designated the 4th floor as a silent zone. See this page for info on our recently introduced Scott Library Learning Zones: http://www.library.yorku.ca/ccm/Home/Undergraduates/studyspaces .
We are also have plans for a renovation on the 4th floor which would add more individual student seating in the silent study zone on the 4th floor.
Mark Robertson
Associate University Librarian
Yea I agree with first comment… I personally have almost never gone to the library (not just York, also where I did my undergrad as well)… I get distracted very easily, and find the library a more social place than any. People always distract me in the library is I need to read/do research.
Personally, I would love a space on campus that is known for complete silence and comfort.